Patricia (Feike) "Pat" Swindler

Patricia Feike “Pat” Swindler, 91, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Ohio Living Cape May.  She was born March 24, 1930 in Wilmington, daughter of the late Harry M. Feike and Helen Skimming Feike.  A lifelong resident of Clinton County and a graduate of Wilmington City Schools, Pat was known to the community through her decades of management at Swindler & Sons Florists and her service to Wilmington.

Pat began working at Swindler & Sons as a high school student in the 1940s. It was there that she met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Swindler, following his return from serving in the U.S. Army in World War II. Pat and Bob were married October 16 1948 and went on to have five children together: David, Marci, Jeff, Gerry and Phil. Coincidentally, they shared a birthday, March 24, which they also shared with their firstborn son, David. Pat and Bob were married 49 years at the time of Bob’s death in 1997.

Pat was a talented floral designer specializing in weddings and corsages as well as an accomplished businesswoman who was recognized as a leader in the floral industry and in her local community. Pat was the first woman to serve on the Ohio Florists’ Association’s board of directors, a position she held for four years. She also served as a member of the Wilmington City Schools Board of Education for a decade and as its president for several years. During her school board tenure, she oversaw the funding and remodeling of several new school buildings as the district expanded to meet a growing student population.

Pat retired from her role at Swindler & Sons Florists after devoting more than 70 years to the family business, which this year celebrates its 100th year in operation. Throughout her time at Swindler & Sons, Pat impacted the lives of hundreds of employees and family members who worked with her, and she was loved and respected by all.

Pat was an active member of the Wilmington United Methodist Church for over 70 years, serving as a Stephen Minister and a member of the Emmaus Community. She was a member of local community organizations PEO, Brush and Pen, and Eastern Star and was recognized as an Outstanding Woman of Clinton County in 2015. Pat was an avid bridge player nearly all her life, beginning play at age 8, as well as a talented quilter, gifting dozens of handmade quilts to family, friends, and charities over several decades.

Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marci and Bill Ingram; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff Swindler, Gerry and Judy Swindler, Phil and Jenni Swindler, and Cecilia Swindler; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and parents, her son, David R. Swindler, is preceded in death.

Pat’s family would like to thank the staff at Ohio Living Cape May and Ohio Living Hospice for the loving care she received.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  If desired, contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the Wilmington City Schools Foundation, 341 S. Nelson Avenue, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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